🌍 Overview
Amsterdam is a thriving digital nomad destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern infrastructure that makes it an attractive remote work hub. The city’s compact size, excellent public transportation, and high standard of living make it an ideal location for remote workers. As a digital nomad, you’ll find a strong sense of community in Amsterdam, with many coworking spaces, networking events, and social gatherings catering to the nomad crowd. The city’s relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $1316/month, is also a significant draw for those looking to balance work and play.
One of the main reasons Amsterdam stands out as a digital nomad destination is its excellent internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 22 Mbps and widespread fiber availability, especially in coworking spaces and cafes. This, combined with the city’s many parks and green spaces, makes it an excellent choice for those who value a healthy work-life balance. The Amsterdam nomad scene is also incredibly diverse, with a strong sense of camaraderie and a wide range of activities and events to suit all interests. From casual meetups and workshops to larger conferences and festivals, there’s always something happening in the city.
As a remote worker, you’ll find that Amsterdam offers a unique lifestyle that combines the best of urban and rural living. The city’s many neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, offer a range of options for housing, dining, and entertainment. From the charming Jordaan neighborhood to the trendy De Pijp, there’s a neighborhood to suit every taste and budget. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving digital nomad community, Amsterdam is an excellent choice for remote workers looking for a new base.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Jordaan
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the most popular areas for digital nomads, with its narrow streets, charming canals, and picturesque architecture. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jordaan is around $1,200-$1,800. One of the main pros of living in Jordaan is its central location, with many coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance. However, it can get quite touristy, especially during peak season, and the noise levels can be high. Notable streets in Jordaan include the famous Lindengracht market street and the charming Westerstraat.
De Pijp
De Pijp is a trendy neighborhood that’s become a hub for digital nomads and startups. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in De Pijp is around $1,000-$1,600. One of the main pros of living in De Pijp is its vibrant atmosphere, with many bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. However, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, and parking can be a challenge. Notable streets in De Pijp include the famous Albert Cuyp market street and the charming Van der Helststraat.
Oud-Zuid
Oud-Zuid is a charming neighborhood that’s located just south of the city center. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oud-Zuid is around $1,200-$1,800. One of the main pros of living in Oud-Zuid is its peaceful atmosphere, with many parks and green spaces to enjoy. However, it can be a bit of a trek to get to the city center, and the nightlife options are limited. Notable streets in Oud-Zuid include the famous Beethovenstraat and the charming Van Baerlestraat.
Amsterdam-Noord
Amsterdam-Noord is a up-and-coming neighborhood that’s located just north of the city center. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam-Noord is around $800-$1,400. One of the main pros of living in Amsterdam-Noord is its affordable prices, with many new developments and startups moving into the area. However, it can be a bit of a commute to get to the city center, and the amenities are still developing. Notable streets in Amsterdam-Noord include the famous NDSM-wharf and the charming Mosveld street.
Digital Nomad Guide
For digital nomads, Amsterdam offers a wide range of coworking spaces, with prices ranging from around $200-$500 per month for a full-time membership. Some popular coworking spaces include WeWork, The Wing, and B. Amsterdam, which offer a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking events. Internet quality is generally excellent, with average speeds of 22 Mbps and fiber availability in many coworking spaces and cafes.
The nomad community scene in Amsterdam is thriving, with many meetups, workshops, and events catering to remote workers. Some popular meetups include the Amsterdam Digital Nomads group, which meets regularly at cafes and coworking spaces around the city. The city is also home to many excellent cafes, with good wifi and a welcoming atmosphere. Some popular cafes for remote work include the Coffee Company, Lot Sixty One, and De Foodhallen, which offer a range of coffee, food, and drinks.
Visa options for remote workers in Amsterdam include the “Remote Work” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in the Netherlands for up to 12 months. The cost of the visa is around $300, and the requirements include proof of income, health insurance, and a valid passport. Banking and practical setup tips include opening a Dutch bank account, which can be done at banks such as ABN AMRO or Rabobank, and registering with the local authorities.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Amsterdam is a unique and vibrant city, with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. Local customs and etiquette include the famous Dutch concept of “gezelligheid”, which roughly translates to coziness or conviviality, and is often experienced in the city’s many cafes and bars. The food scene in Amsterdam is also excellent, with a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some must-try dishes include stamppot, herring, and poffertjes, which can be found at restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
The nightlife and social scene in Amsterdam is also thriving, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular areas for nightlife include the famous Leidseplein and the trendy De Pijp neighborhood. The city is also home to many excellent cultural attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
English proficiency is generally high in Amsterdam, with many locals speaking excellent English, especially in the service industry. However, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Dutch phrases, such as “hallo” (hello), “dank je” (thank you), and “tot ziens” (goodbye). Language learning resources include the famous Language Academy, which offers courses and workshops for all levels.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the famous Vondelpark, which is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a picnic or a stroll. Best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the park is in full bloom.
- Explore the charming Jordaan neighborhood, with its narrow streets, charming canals, and picturesque architecture. Notable streets include the famous Lindengracht market street and the charming Westerstraat.
- Check out the excellent Rijksmuseum, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Best time to visit is during the week, when the museum is less crowded.
- Take a boat tour of the city’s canals, which offers a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and history. Best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- Visit the famous De Foodhallen, which is a food hall that offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Best time to visit is during the weekend, when the hall is bustling with activity.
- Explore the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, with its vibrant atmosphere, many bars, restaurants, and cafes. Notable streets include the famous Albert Cuyp market street and the charming Van der Helststraat.
- Check out the excellent Van Gogh Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life and work of the famous Dutch artist. Best time to visit is during the week, when the museum is less crowded.
💡 Practical Tips
Visa requirements for common nationalities include the “Remote Work” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in the Netherlands for up to 12 months. The cost of the visa is around $300, and the requirements include proof of income, health insurance, and a valid passport. EU citizens do not need a visa to live and work in the Netherlands, but they do need to register with the local authorities.
Getting around Amsterdam is relatively easy, with a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The cost of a single ticket is around $3, and a monthly pass costs around $100. The city is also very bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and rental options available.
Safety considerations include being aware of pickpocketing and bike theft, which are common in tourist areas. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night, and to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is in full bloom. However, the city can get quite crowded during peak season, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations and popular attractions in advance.
Local tips and warnings include being aware of the city’s strict noise regulations, which prohibit loud music and noise after 10 pm. It’s also a good idea to respect the city’s cultural heritage, and to avoid littering or damaging the city’s historic buildings and canals.
Money matters include using ATMs and credit cards, which are widely accepted in the city. The local currency is the Euro, and the exchange rate is around 1 Euro = 1.20 USD. Tipping culture is generally low in the Netherlands, with a 5-10% tip being sufficient in most restaurants and bars.
Healthcare and insurance considerations include having valid health insurance, which is required for all residents of the Netherlands. The city has a high standard of healthcare, with many excellent hospitals and medical facilities. It’s also a good idea to register with a local doctor or healthcare provider, in case of any medical emergencies.
